Use of chicoric acid and derivatives for regulating skin pigmentation

Abstract

The present invention relates generally to the field of food supplements for cosmetic purpose. More specifically, the present invention aims to provide an ingredient containing chicoric acid and/or derivatives for preventing and/or treating hyper-pigmentation of skin, skin color imperfections such as age-spots and other skin disorders characterized by abnormal pigments. The present invention also aims at improving skin tone as well as providing a skin lightening agent.

The invention claimed is: 
     
       1. A method for treating an individual having a skin pigment disorder and/or skin pigment imperfection associated with hyperpigmentation, comprising a step of administering orally to said individual a food supplement which contains a daily dose of 0.01 g to 100 g of Chicory extract; wherein said Chicory extract comprises chicoric acid and/or derivatives in an effective amount in the range of 0.001-99.99 weight % of dry weight of the Chicory extract. 
     
     
       2. Method in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein the skin disorder is selected from the group consisting of melasma, freckles, and age spots. 
     
     
       3. Method in accordance with  claim 1  for improving skin tone and/or skin complexion. 
     
     
       4. A method for lightening and/or whitening skin tone in an individual in need thereof, comprising a step of administering orally to said individual a food supplement which contains a daily dose of 0.01 g to 100 g of Chicory extract; wherein said Chicory extract comprises chicoric acid and/or derivatives in an effective amount in the range of 0.001-99.99 weight % of dry weight of the Chicory extract. 
     
     
       5. Method in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein the Chicory extract is obtained by extraction with a solvent from Chicory plant material. 
     
     
       6. Method in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein the said Chicory extract is administered in a daily dose of 0.25 g-10 g. 
     
     
       7. Method in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein the said Chicory extract comprises chicoric acid and/or derivatives in an amount of 0.1 to 99.99 weight % of dry weight. 
     
     
       8. Method in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein the food supplement comprises at least one kind of food grade micro-organisms. 
     
     
       9. Method in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein the food supplement includes an effective amount of at least one active agent for improving skin hydration or skin ageing. 
     
     
       10. Method in accordance with  claim 4 , wherein the Chicory extract is obtained by extraction with a solvent from Chicory plant material. 
     
     
       11. Method in accordance with  claim 4 , wherein the Chicory extract is administered in a daily dose of 0.25 g-10 g. 
     
     
       12. Method in accordance with  claim 4 , wherein the said Chicory extract comprises chicoric acid and/or derivatives in an amount in the range of 0.1 to 10 weight % of dry weight. 
     
     
       13. Method according to  claim 1 , wherein the oral administration of said food supplement is repeated 2 to 3 times a day, for at least 4 weeks. 
     
     
       14. Method according to  claim 4 , wherein the oral administration of said food supplement is repeated 2 to 3 times a day, for at least 4 weeks. 
     
     
       15. Method in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein said Chicory extract is obtained after a defatting procedure on a plant material, to produce an extract that results from fats removed from the plant material. 
     
     
       16. Method in accordance with  claim 4 , wherein said Chicory extract is obtained after a defatting step on a plant material, to produce an extract that results from fats removed from the plant material. 
     
     
       17. Method in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein the food supplement is selected from a group consisting of: capsules, gelatin capsules, soft capsules, tablets, sugar-coated tablets, pills, pastes, pastilles, gums, drinkable solutions, emulsions, syrups and gels. 
     
     
       18. Method in accordance with  claim 4 , wherein the food supplement is selected from a group consisting of: capsules, gelatin capsules, soft capsules, tablets, sugar-coated tablets, pills, pastes, pastilles, gums, drinkable solution, emulsions, syrups and gels. 
     
     
       19. Method in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein the food supplement is enriched in chicoric acid and/or derivatives thereof. 
     
     
       20. Method in accordance with  claim 4 , wherein the food supplement is enriched in chicoric acid and/or derivatives thereof.